Sure, we all know what wardrobe essentials for work professional women are supposed to have in their closets, but if you’re buying one for the first time or replacing one you’ve worn into the ground, it can be a pain to find exactly the right incarnation in stores. In “The Hunt,” we search the stores for a basic item that every woman should have.
Fit and flare work dresses are having a moment – so I thought I’d round some up. Unlike more structured sheath dresses, which have generally been around for this entire website’s existence, fit and flare work dresses tend to come in and out of fashion (even though a lot of curvy readers prefer them!).
Readers, which are some of your latest favorite fit and flare office dresses? What shoes are you wearing them with; what cardigans or jackets?
Pictured at top: Elie Tahari / City Chic / Black Halo / Rekucci / Marycrafts. Pictured on homepage: Elie Tahari.
Update: Our Latest Favorite Fit & Flare Work Dresses
Hunting for the best fit and flare work dresses? In general look to brands like Eliza J., Maggy London, White House | Black Market, Karen Kane, eShakti, and (for plus sizes), City Chic, Kiyonna, and Eloquii. Some of our favorites of 2024 are below — also check this classic Elie Tahari dress (with pockets!), this affordable dress from Amazon seller Rekucci, and this affordable midi tea dress from Marycrafts.
The Best Fit and Flare Work Dresses in 2024
Elie Tahari
A perfect fit-and-flare dress can be hard to find, so when I come across one, I want to shout it from the rooftops. This crepe short-sleeve dress from Elie Tahari comes in three other great colors, but the New Yorker in me is always going to gravitate towards a perfect LBD.
Add your favorite shoe and you’ll be reaching for this at least once a week until winter.
The dress is $348 at Elie Tahari and comes in sizes 0–16. (Another classic: this classic Elie Tahari dress, pictured at top — they also have blouses with the same neckline.)
Rekucci
Amazon seller Rekucci is a reader favorite for pants — but they also make this great fit and flare office dress! I like the flattering wide neckline, as well as the elbow-length sleeves. It comes in a LOT of different colors, and has 2000+ good reviews. (I love all of the user-submitted photos!)
Another good fit and flare dress at Amazon: this vintage-inspired one from seller Marycrafts, or this criss-cross V-neck one from seller oxiuly (11,000+ good ratings).
Kiyonna
Wrap dresses can sometimes be flared, as well — check out this best-seller from Kiyonna.
(Watch out for the neckline at work — you may want to look into a demi-camisole or slip!)
It comes in many different colors, in sizes 0X-5X.
Other options for plus-sizes: this City Chic dress (10 colors!).
Halogen
This fit-and-flare office dress from Halogen will do it all! You can toss on a blazer for the office, but this would also be perfect to wear for work-related events like cocktail parties or baseball games (add sneakers).
I’m very into the dresses-with-loafers look recently, so I’d probably pair this with my favorite Rothy’s.
The dress is $99 at Nordstrom and comes in sizes XXS–XXL.
Other options in this price range: a few different Karen Kane dresses.
Eliza J
Eliza J is one of the few brands that I would say almost always has a fit and flare work dress in the offerings — they often come in inclusive sizes, as well, in a variety of solids and prints.
The flared sweater dress pictured above isn’t my favorite, but has a ton of sizes and colorways in stock. (I tend to prefer this one from the NAS, but it’s down to lucky sizes only.
From the archives, this Eliza J dress was so popular for a while that it was in our Hall of Fame!)
Other likely suspects if you’re hunting for fit and flare dresses, as mentioned by the readers in our previous discussions on the best fit and flare work dresses: Maggy London and White House | Black Market. Note that eShakti can also be a great source for fit and flare dresses, particularly if you want to customize your measurements or other aspects like pockets, sleeves, neckline, and length.
How to Wear Fit and Flare Work Dresses
Curious what to wear with fit and flare work dresses? Because the length of a regular blazer usually hits at a voluminous part in the skirt, they often don’t work well. Some of our best suggestions are cardigans, Chanel-type jackets, or cropped sweater jackets like this one.
In terms of shoes, a heel tends to look best, whether it’s a pump or a knee-high boot — even if it’s a low heel. The mid-calf boot is also very trendy right now in both flat, platform, and heeled versions — know yourself and your office.
Our Favorite Chanel-Type Jackets to Pair with Fit and Flare Work Dresses
Some of our latest favorite Chanel-style jackets for work in 2024 include these, but in general check brands like Chanel, St. John, IRO, L’Agence, Sandro, ba&sh, and J.Crew. On the budget side of things, check out Mango, Express, and White House Black Market.
Our Favorite Classic Cardigans to Wear with Fit and Flare Work Dresses
Some of our favorite classic cardigans for the office as of 2024 include those below — definitely check Talbots and J.Crew Factory if you’re looking for plus sizes, and Quince is always a nice affordable option.
Readers, have you bought any fit and flare work dresses lately? How are you wearing them?
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